Not having all your players is rarely a good ingredient in the recipe for success. However, for Coach David Clothier’s 98 Girls Gold, missing key team members didn’t hold them back from a fantastic weekend at CESA’s annuall Fall Classic. Despite players staying home due to annoyances such as pneumonia, the team won three of four games and brought home hardware from one of South Carolina’s most prestigious tournaments. Leading the way was goalkeeper Breanna Foy, who spearheaded a defense which allowed only one goal the entire tournament.

The journey to trophies wasn’t without exciting moments. The 98 Girls Gold won a 1-0 thriller over FC Dallas (TN) in a match which separated second place from third place. The team’s only loss came to host CESA 98 Select in the final moments of the game, a 1-0 heartbreaker.

The result is a great finish for a team which has steadily improved throughout the year. Coach Clothier cited adherence to the club curriculum and hard work as important components to the team’s rise. His team also got a little help from their friends, as several players from the club's North Academy program jumped in to play with them.